Exploring new waters can pose a number of challenges for boating anglers pursuing the rewards of fishing remote, pristine locales. Challenges might include long runs while at the same time navigating unfamiliar waters, finding new spots and learning how to fish them, negotiating tightly confined harbors, and making sure your boat remains safe and secure in a strange marina far removed from your home port.
Today, solutions to these and other challenges are embodied in Yamaha’s Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability system with the optional new Wireless Controller.
Engineered around Yamaha’s advanced digital electric steering (available on select Yamaha outboards from 150 hp and up) and digital binnacle controls, Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability represents an innovative and multi-faceted boat control system that can inspire confidence and offer greater safety and convenience when exploring and fishing remote waters. It also integrates with the new Wireless Controller (pictured left) that fits in the palm of your hand for command anywhere on the boat. Before talking more about the Wireless Controller, let’s look at a few of the many features of Helm Master EX.
Wireless Controller
Yamaha’s new Wireless Controller gives you the flexibility to move about the boat while maintaining control of the Helm Master EX joystick, autopilot, and Man Overboard systems. It’s also waterproof and floats, making it easy to retrieve should it fall overboard. One of the great benefits is single-handed operation of the boat, freeing up one hand for tossing lines or adjusting fenders—a critical advantage for the captain when docking solo or with inexperienced crew members in an unfamiliar harbor rife with opportunities for dock rash.
In addition, the Wireless Controller offers access to the Helm Master EX Autopilot functionality, allowing the captain to set heading and course, and make adjustments as needed. It also offers remote control of StayPoint, FishPoint, and DriftPoint if the captain needs to step away from the helm to assist with tasks such as gaffing or releasing a big fish or needs to move to the bow to get a better look at an unfamiliar channel or harbor entrance. What’s more, when anchoring, the captain can remotely operate the engine controls. Plus, the Wireless Controller lets you monitor depth, heading and speed all in the palm of your hand—providing a crucial extra element of safety when cruising in unfamiliar waters.
Though the Wireless Controller is designed for up to eight hours of use, boaters can opt for an onboard charging cradle that can be placed anywhere on the boat to ensure that the Wireless Controller is always ready for use during extended adventures to new waters in pursuit angling glory.
Autopilot
Part of the Full Maneuverability package, the Helm Master EX Autopilot offers a host of advanced features. Controlled via a dedicated panel, the Helm Master EX Autopilot does more than hold your course or heading. The TrackPoint function also follows a route selection that takes you around dangerous obstacles such as shoals and reefs. Then the Way Point Arrival feature slows and/or shifts your boat into a preselected gear at the end of your route so you can start fishing the spot as quickly as possible.
This system can also automatically execute a Pattern Steer, Spiral, Zig Zag, and Pattern Search—all useful for trolling or searching for a fishing spot in unfamiliar waters. In addition, it can perform a Williamson Turn, a Coast Guard-recommended procedure for reversing course quickly and accurately in a man overboard situation.
Joystick
Designed for low-speed maneuvering in tight spaces, as well as automated boat positioning for fishing, the newly redesigned Yamaha Helm Master EX joystick integrates with Helm Master EX to offer a wide range of functions for both single- and multi-engine boats. The intuitive nature of this joystick control makes it easy for any skipper to dock and undock even the largest Yamaha-powered boat in the tight, piling-studded quarters of a rustic harbor. Moving sideways (with multiple outboards) and pivoting the boat is as simple as turning and twisting the joystick. Releasing the joystick returns the boat to neutral/idle. SetPoint’s automated features include:
- FishPoint: for holding position over a fishing spot while the boat pivots naturally.
- DriftPoint: for maintaining a heading while drift fishing.
- StayPoint: which maintains both position and heading (with twins and up).
Wireless Key FOB
Helm Master EX features a floating wireless key FOB that lets you energize the system and start the boat even before you step aboard. It is also used to engage the optional Y-COP anti-theft system, which disables your ignition and fuel system for security when the boat is docked, offering both security and peace of mind when your boat is tied up in a strange new place. Helm Master EX comes with two FOBs, but up to four can be programmed for your boat.
Man Overboard System
The Helm Master EX Man Overboard System offers improved safety in waters where rescue services may be hours away or even non-existent. It detects when a crew member or captain falls overboard. Such an event triggers the boat to decelerate to a stop in idle or immediately turn off the engine. The system comes with one captain’s tag and one crew-member tag, but it can support up to eight man-overboard tags. The button-cell battery-powered tags can be placed in supplied wristbands or lanyard hooks for tracking all crew members and pets. The Man Overboard System is available only as part of the Helm Master EX Wireless Control package.
This content contains many of Yamaha’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only and are not intended to be an endorsement. © 2026 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.
